svchost.exe hogging CPU

[Ludatha]

Hi, I am running Windows XP Home, and I have this problem where svchost.exe is always using around 30% of my cpu.
If I end the process, it just restarts and continues to put load on my cpu.

I have searched the internet and tried some fixes like disabling windows update but nothing works.

I have attched an image of the process running.

I shouldnt have any viruses as I installed XP about 2 days ago and have Norton 360.

Any Ideas?

[BWiz]

svchost is absolutley required by windows - don't end the proccess. It is protected, so you can't end it anyway, but I still wouldn't end the process.Also, the memusage is normal, both my desktop and laptop.Furthermore, I think the reading at the bottom of the window (cpu usage) is cumulative of all processes.

[Ludatha]

svchost is absolutley required by windows - don't end the proccess. It is protected, so you can't end it anyway, but I still wouldn't end the process.Also, the memusage is normal, both my desktop and laptop.Furthermore, I think the reading at the bottom of the window (cpu usage) is cumulative of all processes.

There are many svchost processes, This is one that I can end. I'm not worried about memory usage, just the cpu load.

I dont mind the process using my resources, but I know for a fact it doesnt use them all the time, as I have a XP Home laptop that doesnt have the problem.

The CPU time for the process at the moment is 2:39:37, thats since I botted up my PC. 2 Hours is not normal!

[BWiz]

All of the system processes and network processes should br running for the duration that your computer is turned on. Don't worry abouy memusage, its only using a fraction of your systems entire power. System Idle Processes (when you leave your computer alone) take up the most power.
let me explain to you what svchost acutually is. Microsoft began packaging parts of their code ib .dll files (for reausibility). Problem is, you can't run .dll files standalone. That's why svchost is here. It loads the .dll file and executes it. Mostly programs essential to the running of windows. That's why you can't kill it.

[Ludatha]

All of the system processes and network processes should br running for the duration that your computer is turned on. Don't worry abouy memusage, its only using a fraction of your systems entire power. System Idle Processes (when you leave your computer alone) take up the most power.
let me explain to you what svchost acutually is. Microsoft began packaging parts of their code ib .dll files (for reausibility). Problem is, you can't run .dll files standalone. That's why svchost is here. It loads the .dll file and executes it. Mostly programs essential to the running of windows. That's why you can't kill it.

No, CPU time is how long any process is consuming CPU load, a process that is always running is stuck in a loop.

[BWiz]

Regardless of what CPU Time is, it doen't change the fact that svchost is a required process.
Besides, if it is the task manager list contantly, that means that it is constantly being processed (it doesn't have to be stuck in a loop), which it usually is. So, the CPU Time would be the entire time the system has been running.

[Ludatha]

I know that, but it is hogging the cpu and it doesnt do it on any other pc :/

[BWiz]

Maybe it is time for you to get a new system then. Your screenshot looks perfectly normal. On both my systems, svchost takes up around the same mem.

[oracleguy]

Yes but the OP is saying it is using up 30% of the CPU which is the problem.

Did you do an anti-virus and spyware sweep on your PC? A malicious program could have started using the svchost process.

[_Aerospace_Eng_]

Or it could be a fake svchost. Perhaps in the wrong location. I think svchost files should be in the windows directory. Also check the user name next to the svchost file in the task manager. Run hijackthis (http://www.merijn.org/programs.php) and post the results here.

[lstocky]

I had this problem and came across this thread in looking for a solution.

I decided to take a look at the svchost.exe process in question via Process Explorer (http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb896653.aspx).

Process Explorer shows you want a process is running in conjunction with (for what reason) and in my case I can see that it is trying (without success) to start a service aimed at supporting network connectivity for a HP Scanner that I have here on the network.

I'm not quite sure what the solution is right now but thought I'd would post this to help those exploring this problem themselves.

Hope that helps.

[Tyrial101]

Keep in mind that svhost can also run drivers, most commonly sound. So, if you notice something not working right, you know why. This is handy because if you notice when ending the process, lets say your sound kicks off... then you can reinstall your sound driver and sometimes fix the problem all together.

Process Explorer, Hijackthis, and Autoruns from the System Internals package are all your best bet.